ANATOMY&PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES

GLANDS.A gland is a secretory organ which may exist as a separate organ such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen; or may be simply a layer of cells as the simple tubular glands of the alimentary canal, body cavities, etc. All glands have a rich blood supply. Their special function is to select from the blood stream certain substances, which they then elaborate into their important juices or secretions. There is a tremendous variety of glands, each with its different function, making a collective description and classification difficult. A simple classification might be attempted as follows; Glands which pour their sewcretion directly on to the surface include the sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and the gastric and intestinal glands. Glands which pour their secretion indirectly, by means of ducts, on to the durface include the saslivary glands, pancreas, and liver. Ductless glands.  These form the group described as endocrine organs. These are the glands of internal secretion.  A great deal of the well- being of the body depends on these glands, which through their secretions excert an important chemical control on the functions of the body.